Lisa Riley Confirms Emmerdale Return as She Heads Into the I’m A Celebrity Jungle
Emmerdale favourite Lisa Riley has set the record straight about her future on the ITV soap, confirming that Mandy Dingle will be back after she finishes her stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The beloved actress, who is celebrating 30 years playing Mandy this year, is among ten celebrities heading to the Australian jungle for the show’s landmark 25th anniversary series — but she’s made it clear that her time away from the Dales is only temporary.
“Mandy Dingle Will Be Back”
Lisa, 49, reassured worried fans that her departure from Emmerdale is just a brief break while she films the survival series.
“Mandy Dingle will be back,” she declared firmly.
Her absence will be explained on-screen, with Mandy currently supporting husband Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) in his search for his missing father, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards). Recent Emmerdale episodes revealed that Bear isn’t in Ireland as Paddy believed, but caught up in a shocking modern slavery storyline — a plot that will likely keep Mandy’s name alive even while she’s off-screen.
Danny Miller’s Heartfelt Message
Lisa revealed that her Emmerdale co-stars have been nothing but supportive — especially Danny Miller, who famously won I’m A Celebrity in 2021 when it was filmed at Gwrych Castle in Wales.
“Everyone at Emmerdale has been so lovely,” Lisa shared. “Danny Miller just told me to be myself. I’ve got no agenda doing this.”
With Miller’s jungle experience behind her, Lisa is entering the competition with calm confidence — and plenty of Dingle charm.
Why Lisa Finally Said Yes
The actress admitted she’s been approached “numerous times” to take part in I’m A Celebrity, but always turned it down — until now.
“They’ve asked me to do it before, but I finally said yes because next year I’ll be 50, it’s thirty years on and off playing Mandy Dingle, and ten years of being sober.”
Lisa described this year as a milestone in her life, adding that joining the jungle lineup feels like a personal victory.
“It’s like a big baguette where everything I wanted was in it!” she laughed. “Forget the NTAs and BAFTAs — the fact I’m going in means I’m hopefully the best auntie in the world to my nephews and niece. I can forever say to them, I tackled the jungle head-on!”
Facing the Jungle with Courage
Lisa also spoke candidly about what pushed her to take the leap. Having lost her best friend recently and reflecting on her late mother’s breast cancer diagnosis at age 48, the actress said she’s embracing every moment life has to offer.
“Nothing can be as bad as that in life,” she said. “Every day is a blessing and I want to really enjoy everything.”
What’s Next for Lisa and Mandy
While fans will miss Mandy’s larger-than-life presence in the Woolpack, Lisa’s I’m A Celebrity adventure promises to showcase her warmth, humour, and resilience to a whole new audience.
And once she’s done with the trials, the campfires, and the jungle critters, Emmerdale viewers can rest assured — Mandy Dingle will return to the village she calls home.